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International rugby comes to Sunbury

Two international rugby matches will take place this week in Sunbury when England Women and England A Women take on the USA Eagles at London Irish ARFC.

England A first take to the field to take on the US on Wednesday, kick-off 7pm, with RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam champions England playing in their first international of the season on Saturday, kick-off 230pm.

The two matches are the first of several international fixtures at Sunbury this season with England also playing their home RBS 6 Nations matches at the club.

England Head Coach Gary Street said: “London Irish ARFC is a fantastic facility and over the years the club have been very supportive of women’s rugby and all the work the RFUW do so I am delighted that we will be playing all our home games at London Irish this season.

“The club is in an area that is a real hot-bed of rugby within London and the country and it has a fantastic rugby tradition. England women last played at Sunbury against Ireland in the Six Nations a couple of years ago and it was a very successful international.”

Street, in his first international in charge, has named a starting XV for Saturday’s game that includes an impressive 241 caps. Worcester No. 8 Catherine Spencer will also be starting her first game as captain while Wasps and Army player Jane Leonard will make her England debut at flanker.

England A Head coach Mike Barnett meanwhile has also named an exciting 22-women squad for Wednesday’s fixture. Richmond player Karen Jones has been named captain while between Jones, Claire Purdy, Shelley Rae, Michaela Staniford, Katherine Merchant and Vicky Massarella they share 93 caps.

Tickets for England’s game on Saturday can be bought on the gate for £3 for adults and £1 for Under 16s. Entry to Wednesday’s international is free.